Sunday, November 26, 2006

Water shortage what shortage

Not posted for a while so it's timefor a bit iof a rant....

All through this year and for many years before, we are constantly told that this country- yes England - is short of water, well as I look out at the torrential rain that has hardly stopped over the last few days and seeing it run off - ok it's cleaning the streets - into the drains and no doubt via the rivers and streams into the sea, I do wonder where the problem lies.

Once again the other day Potters Bar was gridlocked because under the railway bridge was flooded again - a prime example of too much water rather than not enough, I think this was the second time this winter and hey its only November, how many more times is this going to happen this winter.

Yes we all have to do our bit, with the odd water butt and not wasting water, but seeing all this water run down the street convinces me that it has to be the water companies that should take the main responsibility.

And if they do not, then the government through the regulator should force them - otherwise what is the point of a regulator in a monopolistic market.

I know they are private companies and they need to make a profit for their shareholders, but that is the risk they take by buying shares, but as I stated there is no competition for them, I can't go and buy my water from some other company. In the long run then if they invest they would become more profitable and hey presto the shareholder would win.

That's enough for now it's time to put on the waders and venture out - hey is that a bit of blue sky in the distance, better not miss it.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Bridge Weekend

Suri and I and 14 others took ourselves off for a weekend of playing Bridge, we went to the Crown Hotel in Great Chesterford in Essex - not too far away but far enough to be away from home.

Some great Bridge hands were played - not necessarilly well, and not necesserally by me, but it was a good social event. There were 5 sessions played, 1 in teams of 2 pairs and the rest were in individual pairs.

Blowing my own trumpet .... I came 2nd in 2 of the pairs (should have been first in one of them -surely not my fault) and 2nd in the team session. So quite pleased overall with my own performance.

The food and the accomodation was good and certainly the weekend was good value for money.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Bob Harrison

I have been corresponding with my Aunty Doreen since my mum died in April this year - exchanging memories mainly.

On return from my trip to Korea I got a letter from Doreen, there was some very sad news.

Her husband Bob - my uncle had died on the 23rd of October 2006.

Bob had suffered from alzheimers for quite a few years and Doreen and lovingly cared for him, but recently the caring had become more difficult for Doreen, and somewhat she had reluctantly agreed that Bob would go into a nursing care home on Pellon lane - Halifax.

It's ironic really that he was due to go in to the care home on the 25th of October 2006, on the 6th of October he had had a fall, and went into hospital where he was well looked after, but he was deteriorating as he was not eating and drinking properly and eventually his body gave up on him and he died early in the morning of the 23rd October 2006.

The funeral was held on the 27th of October 2006, and many of the extended family were there, unfortunately I was not.

Bob is at rest now and Doreen is picking up the pieces after a marriage of nearly 53 years, all my sympathy goes to Doreen at this sad time.

Donations for alzheimers can be made at:

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Supporting_the_Society/Donations/index.htm

Making a donation to the Alzheimer's Society in memory of a loved one is a very special way to remember them. Donations provide help and support to people affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.